Name: Memorial service for Thomas Atherton Hendrickson
Start: 2016-09-04T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-09-04T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Indianapolis Sailing Club

Thomas Atherton Hendrickson

89, avid historian, sailor and longtime Indianapolis attorney, died on Friday, August 26 at his home in Indianapolis.

Born in Indianapolis to Eleanor and Robert A. Hendrickson, Tom attended Shortridge High School where he was President of the Student Board and writer for The Echo, a school newspaper.

After active service in the US Navy between 1945-46, Tom spent his life long career as a lawyer in Indianapolis. Graduating from Yale in 1949 on the GI Bill he attended Indiana Law School in Bloomington, Phi Delta Phi. He was Deputy Prosecutor for Marion County from 1954 - 58, and joined Royse & Travis law firm, which later became Hendrickson, Travis, Pantzer & Miller. Tom actively practiced law up until last year, and was a member the American, Indiana, and Indianapolis Bars for 63 years.

Tom loved his family, and he loved having fun. He was a founding member of the Indianapolis Ski and Sailing Clubs. As an avid DN iceboater, he chased "black ice" with the best of them, competing nationally and internationally into his 80s. He also loved history, especially anything related to war and the Underground Railroad. He was on the board of the Indiana Freedom Trails, and president of the Marion County Historical Society, Indianapolis Great Books Council, and the Indianapolis Literary Club. He also served on the City of Indianapolis Historic Preservation Committee. Tom was an expert on the Indiana Underground Railroad and wrote about instrumental Hoosiers, including emancipated slaves, who tirelessly helped slaves toward freedom. He published several papers, including one on James Overall, which aided in the creation of a new historical marker that will be dedicated downtown Indianapolis on September 29. His diligent research aided in the installation in a marker for James Overall to be dedicated

Tom was a beloved neighbor and friend in his Mud Creek Valley community. He was also an actor and member of the Mud Creek Players.

Thomas A. Hendrickson is predeceased by two brothers, Edwin and Robert A., II. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Sandra Shepard Hendrickson of Indianapolis, and their three children, Thomas Shepard Hendrickson also of Indianapolis, Heidi Farber (Ken) of Portland, Maine, and Melanie Parke (Richard Kooyman) of Chief, Michigan. Living family also includes five grandchildren, Ariel, Eli and Kestrel Hendrickson; and Dylan and Carly Farber; and a niece and 3 nephews.

A memorial service will held at the Indianapolis Sailing Club on Sunday, September 4, 2016 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crown Hill Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Aug. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hendrickson

7 Entries

Frank Treadwell

September 5, 2016

I knew Tom Hendrickson since I was a kid, our family sharing summer vacations with theirs in Michigan. As I grew up, Tom was always fun to be around and had a knack for making me glad to hear his views on important social issues. Tom and Sandy were the first intrepid campers to rent our family cottage three years ago, before I was entirely done fixing it up. They had a great time, like newlyweds on their honeymoon. Thank you, Tom, for your kind soul and fun loving spirit,

Leslie (York) Steinbuch

August 30, 2016

In addition to his impressive career and personal achievements, Tom was a member of a very exclusive, very special enclave, who dwelled in Mud Creek Valley. We were all neighbors & best friends, who could always count on one another in good times and bad. We had "Martini Canoe Regattas" on Mud Creek, Sledding parties, family outings to "Shakeys Pizza" & Mackinac Pool, to name a few. We would go Christmas caroling & celebrate together at the Mud Creek Barn. He would enthusiastically engage in a conversation over just about anything & had an infectious laugh. Tom was devoted to his family, passionate about his beliefs, and loved the outdoors. Those of you who knew him well, will understand that when I hear the song, "Tiny Bubbles", I think of him & smile. Leslie York Steinbuch

Ina and Buds Lacis

August 28, 2016

I will always remember Mr. Hendrickson as a kind and friendly man. He always welcomed my husband and myself into his home when we would come and visit. Thank you also Sandy for being a good friend and sharing your horse farm with us. xoxo

Ted Bennett

August 28, 2016

What a special man. I have such fond memories of Mud Creek and Leland Michigan with the Hedricksons. He will be missed.

Kerry Bingham

August 28, 2016

Tom was the best Mud Creek dad.....he played with all of us kids! He made us a sky ride, unlike anything you have ever seen in someone's backyard. The Hendrickson's Halloween haunted house in their basement was something I will never forget. He was always kind and interested in all of us kids. I sure will miss you Tom Hendrickson.

2011 at the Indy Sailing Club

Jon Shepard

August 28, 2016

Uncle Tom took up sail boarding at 70, and taught me a few things about it. Not just that 'Wind Surfer' was a brand - not the sport - and also how to do it on Geist Resevoir. Tom was laughing with his joyful laugh every day I knew him until his stroke. And I will miss that laugh the most.

David Caswell

August 28, 2016

Tom was one of my favorite people. He was thoughtful and sensitive with a great sense of humor and keen intellect.
My love and support to Sandy, Thomas, Heidi, and Melanie.

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